Why is there a heatwave in northern Australia?
As of November 4, 2026, an extreme heatwave is gripping northern Australia, with the hottest conditions in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia. On Tuesday, the town of Fitzroy Crossing, near Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park, reached 45.1°C (113.2°F), marking Australia's first 45°C day in nine months (1).
A slow-moving high pressure system has allowed very hot air to build up over the region. Heatwave conditions also reach across the Top End of the Northern Territory and Queensland's Cape York Peninsula.
This heat is also part of a bigger picture. Australia has been warmer than usual since September, and a strong El Niño, which tends to bring drier, sunnier, and hotter weather, is expected to peak this summer. Around the world, extreme heat is also showing up more often in spring and autumn, not just in summer (2).
Which cities or areas are affected by the heatwave?
The heatwave is affecting a wide stretch of northern Australia, with the most severe conditions in remote towns and communities across three regions:
- Western Australia: Fitzroy Crossing, Marble Bar, Port Hedland, and Karratha in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions
- Northern Territory: Jabiru in Kakadu National Park, Borroloola, Ngukurr, and communities on the Tiwi Islands
- Queensland: Weipa, Aurukun, Kowanyama, and Pormpuraaw on the Cape York Peninsula
Milder heatwave conditions are also reaching parts of central and western Queensland and could extend into far western South Australia by the weekend.
How long will the heatwave last?
As of November 4, 2026, the heatwave has been building since Monday, November 2, and is expected to last at least a week in some areas.
In Western Australia, the hottest days are expected from Wednesday to Friday. Marble Bar could see highs around 46°C (114.8°F), and nights will stay warm, with temperatures near 30°C (86°F) in some places. Relief should arrive toward the end of the week as clouds, rain, and thunderstorms move in, although parts of the Kimberley may stay hot through Saturday (3).
In the Northern Territory and Queensland, severe to extreme heat is expected to continue into the weekend and early next week, lasting through at least Monday, November 9.
Are there any alerts in place?
Heatwave warnings are currently in effect across parts of northern Australia (4):
- Western Australia: An extreme heatwave warning for the Kimberley and North Interior, and a severe heatwave warning for the Pilbara, through Friday, November 6
- Northern Territory: An extreme heatwave warning for the Tiwi Islands, and a severe heatwave warning for much of the Top End and Gulf region, through Saturday, November 7
- Queensland: A severe heatwave warning for much of the state's north, including the Cape York Peninsula, Gulf Country, and north tropical coast, through Saturday, November 7
Heatwaves claim more lives in Australia than all other natural hazards combined, so taking precautions matters. Older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with health conditions are especially at risk. Stay in a cool place where possible, keep blinds and windows closed during the day, and use fans or air conditioners to keep cool (5).
